(The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters call a win for transparency, though critics warn it could strain agencies and serve more as political theater than real accountability. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, cast a present vote on House Bill 1447, describing it as more symbolism than substance. “My present vote was kind of a protest, saying we need to go much, much further. I’m all for steps in the right direction, but everything still happens behind closed doors unfortunately in Springfield.”The measure directs agencies to post public investment information online each month. But Davidsmeyer argued the data is already available through Freedom of Information Act requests, making the new requirement redundant.